Brain Tumour Research attended the Scottish Cancer Conference to raise awareness of the issues faced by brain tumour patients and to call on the Scottish Government for more investment into research and greater access to clinical trials.
The Charity attended the conference, which was hosted by Cancer Research UK in Glasgow, in its capacity at secretariat to the Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours (CPGBT).
In collaboration with the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM), we organised a well-attended panel discussion on genomic testing (panel speakers pictured), with the aim to highlight the urgent need for equitable access to genomic testing across Scotland, and to build political and clinical momentum towards creating a sustainable and flexible genomics service.
This issue is particularly critical for brain tumour patients, as recognised by our CEO, Dan Knowles, and echoed by Finlay Carson MSP, Co-Deputy Convener of the CPGBT, who said: “Brain tumour patients in Scotland are potentially being denied access to clinical trials due to a lack of routine testing. We are calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that 100% of brain tumour patients in Scotland are offered genome sequencing. The technology is there - let’s use it to make a difference. Together, we can find a cure.”
We were encouraged by Finlay Carson MSP’s to continue campaigning for genome sequencing to become more accessible to brain tumour patients across Scotland.
The session was highly productive, with valuable insights shared by clinicians and representatives from other cancer charities whose patients also benefit from genomic sequencing. Duncan Campbell, a father whose son was diagnosed with a brain tumour, shared how they had to fight tirelessly to access genomic testing, highlighting that Scotland is currently not keeping pace with the rest of the UK in offering equitable access to this vital technology.
As we look ahead to our next steps in Scotland, we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to ensure Scottish brain tumour patients benefit from direct policy action. We will secure the next Scottish Government’s commitment to increase brain tumour research funding, by addressing the current imbalance where government research funding represents only 10% of total investment compared to charity funders.
We would also like to thank the other MSPs we engaged with at the conference, including Miles Briggs and Jackie Baillie, for their continued support to improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours in Scotland.
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